Northern Ireland: Socialist wins council seat

Socialist Party (CWI Ireland) member Donal O'Cofaigh, standing as Cross-Community Labour Alternative, has been elected as a councillor. Donal was standing in the Enniskillen ward for Fermanagh and Omagh council.

Emerging victorious, Donal said: "I am honoured to have been elected by the people of Enniskillen. My deepest thanks to everyone who gave me their backing.

"For me, this is not a personal victory but a political one - it is a victory for cross-community, socialist politics.

"It reflects a growing opposition to the sectarian games, cuts and backward social policies of the main parties.

"As well as holding the establishment parties to account in the council chamber, I will use my position to assist working-class people from all backgrounds in fighting back to defend jobs, public services and our environment.

"It is fitting that this breakthrough has come in the centenary year of Fermanagh Council of Trade Unions. I hope this is just the beginning.

"I want to help rebuild the labour movement as a real alternative to the dead end of Green and Orange politics in Fermanagh and across Northern Ireland."